209 High St. Apt. K Searsboro, IA 50242 (515) 593-6321 July 13, 1995 Iowans for Medical Marijuana Mr. Carl Olsen P.c).Box 4091 Des Moines, IA 50333 Dear Carl: My apologies for failing to write until now, but my hectic summer schedule has allowed very little time for writing. First, I want to thank you for all of your assistance with the medicinal marijuana project Senator Szymoniak assigned to me as part of my internship. Your knowledge and support opened my eyes to an interesting dilemma in the United States -- a politically incorrect substance is not available to patients regardless of the drug's safety and efficiency. I do not support the illegal use of drugs nor do I believe marijuana should be legalized. However, patients should not suffer unnecessarily because of powerful lobbying groups and influenced politicians. I applaud your efforts to help those who could truly benefit from medicinal marijuana, and I would enjoy updates on the status of your political battle. As I will be attending law school at the University of Iowa beginning this Fall, I will probably have very little spare time. Nevertheless, I would like to continue our correspondence as I believe it would be mutually beneficial. One last bit of information. I am originally from California and when I was visiting some relatives in May, I read that the California State Senate passed some type of bill that would allow for the medicinal use of marijuana, you may want to check into it father. Thank you again for allowing me to share in some of your knowledge and keep in touch. Sincerely Larisa Thomas-Norris